Main
Mariana Arboleda
As an educator and researcher, I integrate data science, computational thinking, and equitable education to create meaningful learning experiences. I have led initiatives to help teachers incorporate data literacy and developed data-driven processes to evaluate multiple educational projects. My classroom experience enriches my data analysis work just as much as my involvement in projects enhances the relevance and impact of my teaching.
Education
PhD., Education
Universidad del Norte
Barranquilla, Colombia
current - 2022
- Data Science Education
- Advisor: Camilo Vieira, PhD
Visiting Scholar
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, USA
June 2025 - Aug 2024
- Fulbright scholar
- Advisor: Jennifer Chiu, PhD
MS Engineering
Universidad EAFIT
Medellín, Colombia
2022 - 2019
- Applying Machine Learning Models in sales forecasting
- GPA: 4.78/5.0
BS Production Engineering
Universidad EAFIT
Medellín, Colombia
2016 - 2012
- GPA: 4.64/5.0
Industry Experience
Young Professional (Career Development Program)
Ternium Siderúrgica de Caldas
Manizales, Colombia
2019 - 2017
- Managed an innovative project to monitor on-site construction and maintenance activities using drones
- Designed training courses tailored for new employees enhancing their onboarding experience
- Led regular meetings focused on industrial safety and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of ongoing learning
Project and Consulting Experience
While my primary focus is in education and research, I have worked across disciplines, from developing computational thinking guides for K-12 to designing data-driven projects that foster critical inquiry. I have led monitoring and evaluation strategies for multiple educational projects, ensuring data quality and availability. My experience spans curriculum design, teacher training, educational technology, and data-informed decision-making.
Instructional developer
Charlottesville, VA, USA
University of Virginia
Present - 2024
- Designed lesson plans fostering data science with global perspectives.
- Created instructional videos to guide educators in integrating data literacy into their practice.
- Developed assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of instructional materials and track educators’ progress.
Pedagogical coordinator and instructional developer
Barranquilla, Colombia
Universidad del Norte
2024
- Coordinated a team of 5 experts to design 30 lesson plans and evaluations for the K-11 Colombian curriculum
- Designed lesson plans introducing computational science, and data science, and artificial intelligence concepts through unplugged and technology-based activities
Research assistant
Barranquilla, Colombia
Universidad del Norte
2024 - 2022
- Validating psychometric instruments for measuring Teacher well-being and socio-emotional learning of students from two different countries, and leading the report of quantitative results.
Leading Data Analyst
Barranquilla, Colombia
Universidad del Norte
2023 - 2020
- Developed an innovative online visualization platform enabling seamless customization and download of charts, facilitating efficient data-driven analyses for the team.
- Led a team of data analysts to collect, clean, and analyze program data, ensuring data accuracy and integrity for evidence-based decision-making.
- Collaborated closely with other leaders and stakeholders, leveraging data insights to identify areas for improvement.
- Pioneered the implementation of an automated evaluation process for a computational thinking maturity model.
Curriculum developer assistant
Barranquilla, Colombia
Asociación Colombiana de Facultades de Ingeniería
2022
- Cooperated with senior curriculum developers to enhance the K-12 mathematics curriculum by integrating computational thinking concepts.
- Conducted extensive research to identify opportunities for including computational thinking in the curriculum and aligning it with learning objectives.
- Suggested, revised, and improved a year-by-year learning progression, ensuring a seamless course-by-course progression, which is now published and accessible at Guidelines for the Integration of Computational Thinking in Mathematics.
Assistant consultant
Medellín, Colombia
Universidad EAFIT
2020
- Worked closely with the client to ensure effective translation of their needs into the tool’s features and functionalities
- Created an intuitive user interface using Python’s tkinter package for an electrical connections forecasting tool, enhancing user accessibility and usability.
- Built a robust data processing pipeline, streamlining the input data for accurate forecasting and ensuring the tool’s reliability.
- Trained the client’s in-house team on how to operate the application and interpret the forecasting results, facilitating seamless knowledge transfer and long-term usability.
Teaching Experience
I am passionate about making computational thinking and data science accessible to all learners. I believe that engaging, context-rich learning experiences can empower students to see themselves as creators and problem solvers. My approach centers on interactive pedagogy, inclusive practices, and real-world applications, with a strong emphasis on data literacy and its role in education.
Mathematics Tutoring
Universidad del Norte - I.E El Cañahuate
Barranquilla, Colombia
Dec 2023 - Jan 2023
- Providing tailored mathematics tutoring sessions to high school students, with a strong emphasis on statistics, probability, and data visualization
- Instilling an appreciation for Mathematics and its practical applications, with a focus on real-world examples and relevance
- Utilizing various teaching resources to enhance comprehension of statistical concepts and data representation while recognizing the environmental limitations
Computational Thinking for Everyone
Universidad del Norte
Barranquilla, Colombia
Dec 2023 - Jul 2022
- Teaching Computational Thinking, Data Science, and Machine Learning fundamentals for multidisciplinary students
- Implementing a design-based research approach to refine the program using evidence from the initial offerings
Computational Thinking for High School Level Students - Remote Learning
Universidad EAFIT
Medellín, Colombia
Nov 2021 - Apr 2021
- Engaged students in beginner-friendly activities fostering the development of computational thinking skills
- Encouraged collaborative learning through online platforms, creating an interactive and inclusive virtual classroom
English as Second Language for Children and Adolescents
Universidad EAFIT
Medellín, Colombia
Dec 2016 - Jan 2014
- Participated in ongoing pedagogical training programs, continuously enhancing teaching techniques
- Designed and implemented engaging, age-appropriate curriculum
Awards, Fellowships, & Grants
Fulbright scholarship - Estudiante doctoral colombiano
Fulbright Colombia
Colombia
2025 - 2024
- Awarded for academic excellence and leadership potential, as part of a highly competitive selection process supporting Colombian doctoral students in international research and study.
Full-Funded Research Project in Engineering
Universidad EAFIT
Colombia
2022 - 2019
- Awarded to fully support my master’s degree in engineering, recognizing the quality and impact of my research proposal.
Bachilleres por Colombia Scholarship
Ecopetrol
Colombia
2016 - 2012
- Full scholarship for the entire undergraduate program
Roberto Rocca Education Program Scholarship
Ternium, Techint Ingeniería y Construcción and TenarisTamsa
Colombia
2015
- Awarded based on academic performance and a rigorous selection process
Jóvenes ingenieros del DAAD 2014-2015. Precandidate
Universidad EAFIT
Colombia
2014
- Language scholarship based on academic merit
Honorary scholarship for academic performance
Universidad EAFIT
Colombia
2014
- Awarded for achieving the highest average score in my engineering program.
Selected Publications, Posters, and Talks
Opening the Machine Learning Black Box for Multidisciplinary Students: Scaffolding from GUI to Coding
2023 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)
College Station, TX, USA
2023
- Arboleda, M., Vieira, C., & Chiu, J. L.
- Opening the Machine Learning Black Box for Multidisciplinary Students: Scaffolding from GUI to Coding
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE58773.2023.10343043
Interpreting Direct Sales’ Demand Forecasts Using SHAP Values
Production
2023
- Arboleda-Florez, M., & Castro-Zuluaga, C.
- Interpreting direct sales’ demand forecasts using SHAP values
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6513.20220035
Introduction Chapter
In Influencing Customer Demand: An Operations Management Approach
CRC Press
2021
- Castro-Zuluaga, C., & Arboleda-Florez, M.
- Introduction to the book ‘Influencing Customer Demand: An Operations Management Approach’
- DOI: https://www.routledge.com/Influencing-Customer-Demand-An-Operations-Management-Approach/Hemmati-Sajadieh/p/book/9780367619985
Sales Forecasting Difficulties’ Analysis on Colombian Direct Sales Companies
In Proceedings of the International Congress of Industrial Engineering (ICIE2019)
Springer International Publishing
2021
- Castro-Zuluaga, C. A., & Arboleda, M.
- Sales Forecasting Difficulties’ Analysis on Colombian Direct Sales Companies
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49370-7_12
Outreach
Integrating Data Science in the classroom: Research experiences
Cátedra Europa 2024U - niversidad del Norte
Barranquilla, Colombia
Oct 2024
Panelist
AI: Enemy or Ally?
Deeper Learning LATAM 2024
Medellín, Colombia
June 2024
Workshop Facilitator
Master class: Applied Computational Thinking in Education
Institucion Universitaria Americana
Barranquilla, Colombia
2023
Panelist
Data for Change: How Can Young People Contribute to the SDGs Using Data Science. “Innovation and Sustainability Forum: A Youthful Perspective on the SDGs”
Barranquilla Territorio STEM
Barranquilla, Colombia
2023
Panelist
Public Policy Dialogue CFK. Computational Thinking: The Future is Now
British Council Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia
2022
Panelist
Computational Thinking in School
Universidad EAFIT
Medellín, Colombia
2021
Workshop Facilitator
Student Research Groups Fair
Universidad EAFIT
Medellín, Colombia
2019
Volunteer Judge